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KubeLLM - Framework for Troubleshooting Distributed Systems
No full textThe rapid evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) presents significant opportunities for automating complex, domain-specific tasks such as troubleshooting Kubernetes-based distributed systems. This thesis introduces KubeLLM, an innovative framework designed to systematically
evaluate and benchmark various configurations of LLM agents tasked with identifying and resolving common Kubernetes issues.
Through extensive experimentation, several LLMs-including Llama3.3, GPT-4o, o3-mini, and Gemini-1.5-flash-were assessed across diverse architectural configurations, namely single-agent versus multi-agent setups, and strategies involving memory management and self-evaluation mechanisms. Performance metrics centered around accuracy and execution time provided clear distinctions among models and configurations, enabling the identification of optimal use-case scenarios.
The experimental results demonstrate that the o3-mini model consistently achieved superior accuracy, particularly in precision-critical applications. Conversely, Gemini-1.5-flash excelled in scenarios demanding rapid response due to its notably shorter execution times. The GPT-4o configuration emerged as the most balanced model, particularly effective within a multi-agent, memory-enabled setup without self-evaluation, where it demonstrated both high accuracy and exceptional execution efficiency, making it highly suitable for general-purpose Kubernetes troubleshooting.
These findings highlight critical considerations in selecting optimal LLM configurations, emphasizing the importance of aligning model choice and setup strategy with specific application requirements. Ultimately, this work contributes valuable insights and provides practical guidelines for effectively integrating LLM agents into modern DevOps workflows, enhancing both reliability and productivity in Kubernetes environments.Electrical and Computer Engineerin
Identity Processes and Mental Health Among New Parents
No full textBecoming a parent for the first time in one’s life marks a significant lifetime event (Clausen, 1986; Feeney et al., 2001). Not only are new parents required to adjust their daily lives in several ways, but they are also forced to negotiate and navigate a change in identity (Piotrowski, 2018). This identity transition warrants a restructuring of behaviors, responsibilities, and goals (Mercer, 2004). These critical tasks can cause new parents to experience mental health challenges like depression and anxiety (Meca et al., 2020). Despite the rich conceptualized literature on parental identity, empirical studies regarding parental identity have been relatively few, and an understanding of how these processes impact adjustment is even more limited.
Addressing this gap and utilizing a diverse cross-sectional sample of 121 expectant mothers (Mage =21.78 years; SD =3.78 years), this study examined associations between parental identity processes (i.e., commitment, exploration, and reconsideration) and mental health outcomes. Path modeling results showed commitment was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = -.307, p =.049). While reconsideration was positively associated with both depressive (β =.254, p =.010) and anxious symptoms (β =.331, p =.001). Exploration was also positively associated with both depressive (β =.329, p =.014) and anxious symptoms (β =.386, p =.001). Subsequently, worry was a potential mediator between parental identity and adjustment. Exploration (β =.297, p =.002) and reconsideration (β =.296, p =.017) were both positively associated with worry. Sequentially, worry was positively associated with symptoms of depression (β =.367, p <.001) and anxiety (β =.429, p <.001).Psycholog
Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Developing Countries: A 10-Year Review with Global Perspective
Get PDFIn the past two decades, Shiga toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> (STEC) has been responsible for multiple large-scale outbreaks worldwide, affecting thousands of individuals. While surveillance systems in developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Japan, and Canada are well-established, data on STEC prevalence in developing nations remain sparse, partly due to the absence of well-structured molecular diagnostic networks or surveillance systems. This review analyzed 250 studies published between 2014 and 2024 across 39 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, yielding 8986 STEC isolates. Detailed serogroup and serotype data were available for 55.9% of these, with O111, O157, and O26 being most common in humans. In animals, O157:H7 was most frequent, while food isolates mirrored global trends with O157 and O111 dominance. Notably, O145, a serogroup frequently reported in the U.S. and Europe, was absent from the &lsquo;&rsquo;Top Seven&rsquo;&rsquo; serogroups. Shiga toxin subtypes <i>stx1a</i> and <i>stx2a</i> were most prevalent in human cases. In animal isolates, <i>stx2e</i> was the most prevalent subtype, while <i>stx2c</i> was most commonly found in food samples. We recommend establishing reference laboratories in these regions to improve data quality, strengthen monitoring efforts, and reduce the burden of STEC infections globally.Molecular Microbiology & Immunolog
Sustainable Engineering of Recycled Aggregate Concrete: Structural Performance and Environmental Benefits Under Circular Economy Frameworks
Get PDFThe transition toward sustainable infrastructure in the construction sector necessitates the practical integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles, particularly through the valorization of recycled materials in concrete applications. This review critically synthesizes recent advancements in the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass powder, and crumb rubber as partial replacements for conventional aggregates in Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)-based concrete. The incorporation of these secondary materials has demonstrated the ability to reduce the environmental footprint of concrete production&mdash;achieving up to 25% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and diverting significant volumes of waste from landfills&mdash;while maintaining structural viability with compressive strength retention levels exceeding 90% in several optimized mix designs. Enhanced ductility, thermal resistance, and reduced density further support their application in specialized construction scenarios. Beyond material characterization, the review systematically examines implementation enablers, including regulatory alignment, life-cycle-based procurement, and design-for-deconstruction strategies. It also highlights critical gaps such as the absence of harmonized standards, variability in recycled material quality, and systemic barriers to market uptake. Addressing these challenges is essential for scaling CE integration and achieving measurable sustainability gains across the built environment. This study aims to inform policy, practice, and research trajectories by linking material innovation with operational frameworks that support regenerative construction systems.Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction ManagementCollege of Engineering and
Integrated Desig
A Novel Tool Changer for UGVs: Enabling Modular Autonomy Through Iterative Design and Testing
Get PDFThis thesis presents the development and evaluation of a Tool Changer designed to enable modular and autonomous tool attachment for medium-sized Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). A section of this work was conducted in partnership with the United States Air Force and Renu Robotics. The work addresses the lack of standardized interfaces for autonomous operations of UGVs, focusing on mechanical locking, passive alignment, and electrical passthrough. An iterative design process guided the development of the UGV Tool Changer, beginning with an initial prototype modeled in SolidWorks and fabricated via 3D printing, featured a conical alignment interface and an electrically actuated ball-bearing locking mechanism. Manual testing revealed geometric and tolerancing issues, prompting a second design iteration. This revision introduced a flat-faced locking geometry and improved printability. Subsequent iterations incorporated structural reinforcements to address gear slippage and deformation under load, improving the locking capability. Mechanical performance was validated using an Instron 5985 universal testing machine. Tensile tests demonstrated an increase in locking strength by a factor of 7.95 over the unlocked configuration, with consistent performance under cyclic loading. The final reinforced design achieved an average maximum tensile force of 145.2 N (14.81 kgf), approaching the hypothesized target of about 150 N (15.29 kgf). This work establishes a foundation for a standardized UGV tool interface, offering a scalable solution for autonomous multi-tool operations. Future work includes finite element analysis (FEA), integration of modular passthrough clamps, and environmental testing per ISO and MIL-STD standards to advance the design toward production readiness.Mechanical Engineerin
The Role of a Plasmid-encoded Lipoprotein in the Pathophysiology of the Agent of Lyme Disease, Borrelia Burgdorferi
No full textThe full text of this item is not available at this time because the author has placed this item under an embargo until August 26, 2030.Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States. Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the causative agent of Lyme disease, is a spirochetal bacterium capable of surviving in tick vectors and mammalian hosts by regulating the expression of lipoproteins. In this study, we pursued two aims. The first - to characterize a putative lipoprotein found in Bb and determine its biochemical function. The gene of interest was amplified via PCR and cloned into plasmid vectors pVK and pET23a, generating recombinant proteins with a 6X Histidine-Tag at either the C-terminal or N-terminal end, respectively. A construct lacking the N-terminal lipopeptide was also generated to increase the levels of expression of recombinant proteins. The plasmids were transformed into E. coli Rosetta expression hosts and the expression levels of recombinant proteins were assessed by SDS-PAGE analysis. The presence of a 6X Histidine-Tag allowed for purification using affinity binding beads, and the purified proteins were confirmed through SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. The purified protein was used to immunize a BALB/c mouse, and serum was collected for analysis 21 days post-immunization. The second aim was to explore the role of this putative lipoprotein in the mouse-tick-mouse cycle of infection by generating a knock-out and cis-complementation. Regions 1 kb upstream and downstream of the gene were amplified via PCR and transformed into Bb. Clones lacking the gene of interest were then identified via antibiotic selection. These results expand the understanding of the role of numerous lipoproteins in the pathogenic processes leading to Lyme disease.Integrative Biolog
Archaeological Report, No. 524
Get PDFAt the request of the Brackenridge Park Conservancy (BPC), the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) conducted an archaeological investigation of a portion of the former Confederate States of America (CSA) Army Tannery in Brackenridge Park. Fieldwork was conducted on March 31 and April 3, 2025. This investigation was developed after consultations with the BPC, the City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation (COSAOHP), and the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The investigation included the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and subsequent mechanical trenching to determine if architectural and/or archaeological features represented on the circa 1868 Gustave Freisleben Tannery sketch map were present (Freisleben 1868). The investigation focused on the presumed open-sided stable, designated Area A, and a potential blacksmith or farrier’s shop along with possible corral (Area B). The two Project Areas covered 0.19 hectare (0.47 acre).
The Tannery is located in Brackenridge Park, a 139-hectare city park listed as a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) District and a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL; Brackenridge Park Conservancy [BPC] 2025a; Pfeiffer and Tomka 2011). Area A of the Project Area is also mostly within the boundary of the precontact site 41BX1425. As Brackenridge Park is a municipal property, it is subject to compliance with the COSA Historic Preservation and Urban Design section of the Unified Development Code (UDC; Article 6 §35-630 to 35-634). This investigation also required a Texas Antiquities Permit (TAP) and was subject to its rules and procedures under the Antiquities Code of Texas, Title 9, and Texas Administrative Code, Title 13. TAP 32196 was issued by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to Dr. Clinton M.M. McKenzie on February 6, 2025. Dr. McKenzie served as the Principal Investigator and Peggy Wall was the Project Archaeologist.
The GPR investigation was conducted by Dr. Blake Weissling of Geophysical Services. The GPR results guided the subsequent mechanical trenching. Six trenches were excavated, two within Area B and four within Area A. No Tannery structure remnants were found. A single square nail found in the upper-level fill of Trench B1 indicates a historic presence, but the GPR survey did not indicate other metal objects in Area B, which would be expected around a blacksmith or farrier’s shop. Precontact artifacts
were found in Area A, associated with site previously recorded site 41BX1425.
While other CSA Tannery structures may be present in the area, based on the results of this investigation, CAR recommends no further investigation of the CSA Tannery structures shown on the circa 1868 Freisleben map identified as likely farrier’s or blacksmith’s shop, corral, and stable. The investigation recovered additional subsurface artifacts from archaeological site 41BX1425. After completion of the fieldwork, all project-related materials, including the final report, were permanently stored under Accession number 3077. Any further excavations in the area should be monitored.Brackenridge Park ConservancyCenter for Archaeological Researc
Probabilistic Projections of South Korea&rsquo;s Population Decline and Subnational Dynamics
Get PDFThis study adapts the United Nations&rsquo; methodology for national probabilistic population projections to subnational contexts. The Bayesian approach used by the UN addresses data collection complexities effectively. By applying hierarchical model assumptions, national projections can be extended to subnational levels. There is a significant demand for subnational projections with uncertainty measures, especially in South Korea, where low fertility rates have led to rapid population decline, impacting economic and social conditions. The Bayesian hierarchical model predicts South Korea&rsquo;s population will peak in 2024 and then decline sharply, potentially reaching 30 million by 2100 or below 20 million in lower projections. Seoul&rsquo;s population may reduce to one-third of its 2020 size by 2100. Persistently low fertility rates result in a high dependency ratio and accelerated aging, particularly in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. Although old-age dependency ratios might improve slightly by 2100, economic challenges such as reduced purchasing power and socio-economic strain from an aging population and declining fertility remain significant. A probabilistic approach can enhance resource allocation strategies to support the aging population at both national and subnational levels.Texas Demographic Cente
How Trauma Exposure and Personality Traits Influence Lifetime History of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Risk in College Students
Get PDFNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a highly prevalent mental health concern among college students, with approximately 20-30% reporting engagement in these behaviors that can cause serious bodily harm. NSSI is an intentional, deliberate, and non-socially sanctioned act of self-mutilation of body tissue while lacking suicidal intent. In college students, NSSI is commonly associated with worse academic performance, social functioning, psychological comorbidities, high-risk behaviors, and most alarmingly—future suicide attempts. Given these significant consequences, it is critical to identify robust predictors of NSSI. A deeper understanding of how trauma exposure and personality traits contribute to NSSI risk can inform early identification methods and effective intervention strategies.
Trauma exposure is a well-established risk factor for NSSI, yet limited research examines how different aspects of trauma exposure (e.g., quantity, developmental stage) influence engagement in NSSI. Additionally, different personality trait profiles—or characteristic patterns of thoughts, behaviors, and feelings— have also been associated with NSSI (e.g., low conscientiousness or high neuroticism). Yet, it is unclear how personality may moderate the relationship between trauma exposure and NSSI. This thesis aims to examine the relationships among trauma exposure (i.e., presence, quantity, and exposure during different developmental stages), the Big Five personality dimensions (i.e., openness to experience, onscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism), and lifetime NSSI engagement. It is hypothesized that the three aforementioned aspects of trauma exposure will each predict lifetime NSSI engagement. The onset of trauma exposure during three developmental stages (childhood [CTE, 0-13], adolescent [ATE, 14-17], or dual childhood/adolescent trauma exposure [DTE]) may provide further insight into how the long-term effects of trauma differ based on timing of exposure. A control group defined as those with no trauma exposure (NTE) will also be included. The DTE group is expected to be the strongest predictor of NSSI engagement, even after accounting for lifetime trauma exposure, followed by the ATE, CTE, and NTE groups, respectively. Additionally, openness and neuroticism are expected to independently positively predict NSSI engagement, whereas conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness will be independent negative predictors of NSSI engagement. Finally, personality traits that were identified as significant predictors of lifetime NSSI engagement in prior analysis will be examined as potential moderators. Depending on the identified predictors, it is expected that different levels of personality traits will either buffer or amplify the effect of trauma exposure (e.g., quantity) on lifetime NSSI engagement. For example, high neuroticism is expected to moderate the relationship between trauma exposure and NSSI engagement, such that the association between higher trauma exposure and NSSI engagement will be stronger among individuals with high neuroticism compared to those with low neuroticism.
This thesis is a secondary data analysis using data from a parent cross-sectional study, Project PEACE: Predictors of Educational Achievement and Cannabis Effects. This sample (N=648) consisted of female and male undergraduate psychology students recruited via a SONA pool at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Participants completed several online self-report measures assessing key variables. Binary logistic regression as well as Hayes’ PROCESS Macro were used to examine the relationships among variables. Logistic regression results indicated that binary presence, quantity of trauma exposure, dual trauma exposure, and neuroticism were all independent significant predictors of lifetime NSSI engagement. These findings highlight that trauma exposure—present, cumulative, and sustained across developmental periods—as well as high levels of neuroticism are significant, independent predictors of NSSI. Notably, sustained trauma exposure predicts NSSI risk even after accounting for trauma quantity. These results underscore the need for trauma-informed, developmentally sensitive interventions that also address personality-related vulnerabilities like neuroticism to more effectively reduce NSSI among college students.Psycholog
Cervicovaginal Microbiome and HPV: A Standardized Approach to 16S/ITS NGS and Microbial Community Profiling for Viral Association
Get PDF16S rRNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) has significantly advanced cervicovaginal microbiome profiling, offering insights into the relationship between vaginal dysbiosis and HPV-associated carcinogenesis. However, reliance on a limited set of 16S hypervariable regions introduces inherent biases that impact results. This study developed standardized workflows for 16S/ITS NGS, with a focus on identifying methodological biases that influence microbial abundance and taxonomic specificity. Commercial NGS tools were employed, including the 16S/ITS QIAseq V1&ndash;V9 screening panel, ATCC vaginal microbial standard, and CLC Genomics Workbench integrated with a customized database (VAGIBIOTA) for analysis. The microbial communities of 66 cervical cytology samples were characterized. Among the regions tested, V3V4 exhibited the least quantitative bias, while V1V2 offered the highest specificity. Microbial profiles and Community State Types (CST) (I&ndash;V) were broadly consistent with prior studies, with <i>Lactobacillus</i> abundance clustering into three states: <i>L.</i>-dominant (CST I&ndash;III, V), <i>L.</i>-diminished (CST IV-A), and <i>L.</i>-depleted (CST IV-B). Differential abundance analysis revealed that anaerobic opportunistic pathogens dominant in CST IV-B (dysbiosis) were also enriched in HSIL and HPV-16 positive samples. Our findings revealed distinct differences in species identification across 16S rRNA hypervariable regions, emphasizing the importance of region selection in clarifying microbial contributions to HPV-associated carcinogenesis.Molecular Microbiology & Immunolog